From our Principal 

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

Welcome to Catholic Education Week 2025. This year’s Catholic Education Week theme is, Pilgrims of Hope which aligns with the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.  Proclaimed by Pope Francis it is an invitation to communities to reflect on the significance of hope and faith in their lives. The 'Pilgrims of Hope' theme highlights the importance of faith, compassion, and community, and the transformative power of education in shaping our students into tomorrow's leaders. It also aligns with our own school theme: “Be the Reason for Hope”.

Why celebrate Catholic Education Week? Amongst many reasons it is an opportunity to acknowledge the significant impact a Catholic Education has on the individual student as well as the collective. Nelson Mandela once stated that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The point of difference in being educated in a Catholic school is the commitment shown to develop the whole person, academically, social-emotionally, physically and spiritually. It is this opportunity in particular to teach and nourish the faith of each child, Catholic or non-Catholic which stands us apart from all other educational settings. Pope John Paull II said it best when he stated: “Catholic Education aims not only to communicate facts but also to transmit a coherent, comprehensive vision of life, in the conviction that the truths contained in that vision liberate students in the most profound meaning of human freedom”. In other words, we not only teach content we also assist in shaping young people to make good choices and ultimately contribute to the creation of a better world.

And if you are any doubt, it is important for you to read of some recent research findings on the lifelong benefits of Catholic education.  Using the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey the analysis of the data showed that young people who attended Catholic schools are likely to see lifelong benefits in employment status, general health and life satisfaction.

The research found that on average, there are both personal and community benefits of Catholic schooling. People who attended Catholic schools are on average more likely to be employed, and to earn higher wages than government school attendees. The average wage difference ranges between four per cent to 11 per cent. In addition, Catholic school attendees are more likely to work in an industry or sector that directly benefits the public and are more likely to donate to charity. The report also found that Catholic school attendance had a positive average impact on personal health and life satisfaction scores. Catholic schools empower students to develop their capabilities academically, spiritually, and socially, preparing them to be compassionate and capable leaders in the communities of the future.

At St Peter’s College our three pillars, Faith, Education and Service guide our community to continuously focus on what is important, ensuring an inclusive education is provided to all which is guided by gospel values and focused on Christ as being central to our mission. As a Catholic school, within the Petrine charism, we are intentional in walking alongside our young people showing them the opportunities to be the best version of themselves. What a privilege it is to take that walk. 

Next week we will celebrate, together with all the Diocese of Sale schools, a celebration mass. It will be a time to embrace the hope, unity and faith of being educated in a Catholic school.

I take this opportunity to thank all staff, teaching and non-teaching for their commitment to educating our young people. We cannot hope to succeed in our work in providing life-giving educational opportunities to our young people without the dedication and commitment of our staff.

Enjoy the week ahead and Happy Catholic Education Week.

Mr Chris Black

Principal